William Henry Middle School showcases student talent during Showcase of the Arts

Wednesday

Mar 12, 2014 at 10:27 AM

Students at William Henry Middle School took a break from academics on Tuesday to showcase their artistic talents when the school hosted its Showcase of the Arts. This year's theme was Wild About the Arts and featured scenes from a wild west story, musical performances and dance routines. Getting students involved in the arts is important, said William Henry's Principal Toriano Giddens.

Sarah Barbansarah.barban@doverpost.com@SarahDoverPost

Students at William Henry Middle School took a break from academics on Tuesday to showcase their artistic talents when the school hosted its Showcase of the Arts. This year’s theme was Wild About the Arts and featured scenes from a wild west story, musical performances and dance routines. Getting students involved in the arts is important, said William Henry’s Principal Toriano Giddens.

“We know that arts contribute to high academic success and over all self-satisfaction for students,” Giddens said. “A lot of times students who aren’t as stellar in the classroom do have other talents that they bring to the table. Arts are just as important as any other academic course.”

Getting students involved in the arts can help them master skills such as reading, verbal skills and critical thinking, said Lisa Burnham, director of the school’s drama club.

“We have to practice using our scripts and reading fluently and with expression,” Burnham said. “All of the things that good readers do. We also find that it motivates them to do well in school and be reliable.”

The showcase also gave students a chance to put some thought into what they wanted to perform. Malaysia Evans sang a duo performance of “The Way” by Anana Grande and Mack Miller and selected the song carefully.

“I thought “The Way” was a really catchy song,” said Evans. “It’s not inappropriate. It’s just right for school and it contains no violence.”

Aside from the added academic benefits, involvement in performance art can help students on a more personal level, according to Erika Caldwell, director of the school’s Rising Stars Dance Group.

“This gives them a venue to express themselves,” Caldwell said. “It’s also a great way to teach team work and character development. Performing helps to build their confidence. It shows them that they each have an inner strength and inner abilities. It gives them a chance to showcase something they’re good at.”

Karlyn Kraft performed a solo on Tuesday, singing “Let it go” from the movie “Frozen.” Performing helped her experience that confidence that Caldwell referenced.

“I love to sing because it shows my emotions and makes me feel better about myself,” Kraft said. “It makes me feel special. It makes me know I have a talent that I can share with everyone.”